Blue and purple plaques

Blue plaques celebrate famous people, places and historic events in the borough of Rochdale.

Purple plaquesin Rochdale borough celebrate Dame Gracie Fields and mark places of significance in her life.

Follow our blue and purple plaque trails in Rochdale

There are 2 walks you can do which cover the blue or purple plaques we have in Rochdale:

Blue plaque walkaround Rochdale town centre - this walk will take you on a journey to discover the rich cultural history of Rochdale town centre. From the Old Duke of Wellington Hotel to the Gothic marvel of the Town Hall, you'll get chance to discover the rich history and influential people behind Rochdale.

Purple plaque walk - this walk will take you around Rochdale and allows you to visit every one of the purple plaques to learn more about the life of Dame Gracie Fields.

Blue and purple plaques in Rochdale

Annie and Frank MaskewTouchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AQYear marked: 1954Blue plaqueAnnie and Frank Maskew met here in 1954, then Rochdale Central Library. Their bequest to Rochdale Library Service ensured that the books and culture that brought them together were available for future generations to enjoy through the Rochdale Literatre and Ideas Festival and the Maskew Collection of classic literature and philosophy at Number One Riverside.

Blue Bell Inn20 Newgate, Rochdale OL16 1BAYears marked: 1745-1911Blue plaqueOne of only 4 public houses listed in the 1626 Manor Survey of Rochdale. The Blue Bell (rebuilt in 1745) derives its name from the medieval church bell traditionally painted blue. It's now a grade II listed building.

Bull BrowSparrow Hill, Rochdale OL16 1ESYear marked: 1820Blue plaqueIt's believed the name of this passage comes from cattle brought to the nearby slaughterhouses. This pathway led to the River Roch where bull-baiting was a regular attraction until the fatal event of 8 November 1820, marking the end of this savage pastime in Rochdale.

Butterworth Jewellers14 Drake Street, Rochdale OL16 1NTYear marked: 1896Blue plaqueSince 1903, this property has been occupied by Butterworth Jewellers, which is the longest established family-run business within the town centre.

Blue Bell Inn20 Newgate, Rochdale OL16 1BAYears marked: 1745-1911Blue plaqueOne of only 4 public houses listed in the 1626 Manor Survey of Rochdale. The Blue Bell (rebuilt in 1745) derives its name from the medieval church bell traditionally painted blue. It's now a grade II listed building.

Champness HallBlue plaqueDrake Street, Rochdale OL16 1PBYears marked: 1832-1905This hall bears the name of Thomas Champness, a Methodist minister and pioneer in lay training and community projects. His friend, Charles Heap JP founded the 'Rochdale Mission' which was housed in this building, so named in commemoration of Champness. Regular worship sessions were held in the Art Deco style auditorium, the centre piece of the hall.

Purple plaqueDrake Street, Rochdale OL16 1PBYear marked: 1947Gracie Fields marked her return to broadcasting after World War 2 at the Champness Hall when 'Our Working Party' was broadcast live from here in 1947.

Church of St EdmundEdmund Street, Rochdale OL12 6PLYears marked: 1870-1873Blue plaqueThe outstanding Freemasonic architecture represents the pinnacle of James Medland and Harry Taylor's architectural skills. The building was founded by notable Rochdale banker, industrialist and Freemason, Albert Hudson Royds. It's now a grade I listed building.

Church stepsPacker Street and Nelson Street, Rochdale OL16 1NJYears marked: noneBlue plaquePossibly dating back to the 12th century, these steps have been the key route linking the town centre to the Church of St Chad for hundreds of years. Mourning relatives would climb these steps and scatter rue and rosemary in 'Gods Acre' (St Chad's Churchyard) as an offering to ease the spirits of their loved ones.

County Court (former)10 Fleece Street, Rochdale OL16 1LYYear marked: 1875Blue plaqueOriginally designed as a Post Office to house the increasing demands of a growing Rochdale, this building was the County Courts of Rochdale from the 1930s to 1998.

Fashion Corner57-59 Drake Street, Rochdale OL16 1XLYear marked: 1922Blue plaqueIn 1922, this building was opened as the drapery emporium of the Rochdale Pioneers - the Fashion Corner of Rochdale. Sold to Rochdale Council in 1983, it became the 'Project House' then 'Poll Tax House'. It was renamed 'Fashion Corner' by the council in 1995 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Co-op.

Kenion Street Music BuildingKenion Street, Rochdale OL16 1SNYears marked: 1977-1984Blue plaqueFrom 1977 onwards, this building saw an endless stream of bands from Manchester, Liverpool and from all over the British Isles pass through its doorways as it became the place for groups to record and to buy and hire their equipment.Joy Division recorded here from 1978 onwards and had their bass equipment custom built on the ground floor.

Milkstone Road2 Milkstone Road, Rochdale OL11 1EDYears marked: nonePurple plaqueFormerly the site of the Schofield's off licence. Bertha and Ada Schofield were close family friends of the Stansfield family and Gracie always visited them on her return visits to Rochdale up to the 1960s.

Molesworth StreetMolesworth Street, Rochdale OL16 2AWYears marked: 1898-1979Purple plaqueThe site of the famous fish and chip shop where Gracie Fields was born in the upstairs bedroom.

Regal Cinema (former)The Regal Moon, The Butts, Rochdale OL16 1HBYear marked: 1949Purple plaqueGracie Fields performed a charity concert here in April 1949 on her return to the town. There is a photographic display of Gracie on the walls inside the pub.

Roch BridgeTouchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AQYears marked: 1910-1926Blue plaqueThe River Roch is bridged for a distance of 445 metres - the widest bridge in Europe. Originally dating from at least the early 17th century. It was first extended from Yorkshire Street to Wellington Bridge in 1904 and again in 1910, 1923 and 1926.

Rochdale MarketSt Chad's garden wall, Church Lane, Rochdale OL16 1QRYears marked: noneBlue plaqueRochdale was one of the first towns in Lancashire to obtain Market Charter in 1251.The market was held in this vicinity until the mid 18th century. Cattle markets continued here 3 times a year until 1887.

Rochdale Remembrance GardensThe Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1XA - the plaque is located on the wall to the northern entrance of the memorial gardens.Year marked: 1947Blue plaqueThese gardens were constructed by the County Borough of Rochdale in compliance with a decision of the towns meeting called by the then Mayor, Councillor Noman Richards Woolfenden JP on 14 April 1947. A fitting Memorial to the gallant fallen of the 1939-1945 war.

Rochdale Town HallBlue plaqueThe Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1ABYears marked: 1871-1887Following a disastrous fire in 1883, the tower was rebuilt in 1887 to designs by Alfred Waterhouse. Nationally acclaimed as an outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture. It's a grade I listed building.

The Duke of Wellington HotelEssence Nightclub, Drake Street, Rochdale OL16 1REYear marked: 1750Blue plaqueOriginally a wealthy wool merchant's residence, this building became the Duke of Wellington Hotel in 1810. It was the leading coach house in Rochdale for many years. In front of this hotel, the 'Speaker's Corner' hosted a crowd of 8,000 following the Reform Act of 1832. It's now a grade II listed building.

The Roebuck Public HouseYorkshire Street, Rochdale OL16 1BHYear marked: 1814Blue plaqueThe first Roebuck Public House was built in 1660 on the Old Market Place and moved in 1783 to the 'New Wall' which is now 5 South Parade.

The Walk3 South Parade, Rochdale OL16 1LRYear marked: 1824Blue plaqueA key part of the urban fabric of Rochdale since the industrial revolution, this narrow ginnel has been a well-used route in the town centre for centuries. The Walk was created by the Vavasour family to obtain easy access from their house, now Lloyds Bank, to the River Roch.

Touchstones RochdaleThe Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AQYear marked: 1883Blue plaqueThe Rochdale Town Hall fire of 1883 burned the clock tower library and led to the opening of this 'Free Public Library' one year later. The building later expanded to include a Museum and Art Gallery. 3 sandstone panels representing science, art and literature were set into the front elevation. It's now a grade II listed building.

Union Flag InnLloyds Bank, 58 Yorkshire Street, Rochdale OL16 1JPYear marked: 1708Blue plaqueIn 1745 a confrontation between the forces of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the town authorities took place here. Built as a residence, it's a particularly early instance of accomplished classical architecture. Used as a bank since 1930. It's now a grade II listed building.

Middleton Gardens and Suffield StreetSuffield House, Middleton Gardens, Middleton M24 4ELYear marked: 1934Blue plaqueFormerly the location of the Corn Mill Lodge and part of the Gardens of Middle-ton Hall. Established as Central Gardens in 1934 by Middleton Borough Council. Suffield Square was named after the Suffield Family of Gunton, Norfolk, absentee Lord of the Manor of Middleton 1765-1848.

Old Market Place27 Long Street, Middleton M24 6TEYear marked: 1791Blue plaqueFacing this plaque was the Old Market Place. Lord Suffield obtained a Market Charter from George III in 1791 to hold a weekly market and 3 fairs a year. Suffield built warehouses, a market house and shambles at his own expense.

Parish SchoolNature's Nursery, Long Street, Middleton M24 6UWYear marked: 1842Blue plaqueNational school built for St Leonard's Church by Reverend Richard Dunford, later Bishop of Chichester. It was extended in 1892 by Reverend TE Cleworth. Last used as a school in 1979. It's now a grade II listed building.

Peterloo Demonstration69 Morton Street, Middleton M24 6AXYear marked: 1819Blue plaqueThe Middleton contingent congregated here in Barrowfield and marched to St Peter's Field in Manchester led by Sam Bamford. The meeting, popularly known as 'Peterloo Massacre', was in support of the vote for the working classes. 16 Middleton people were injured in the demonstration.

St Leonard's SquareSt Leonard's Church, Middleton M24 6DEYears marked: noneBlue plaqueOnce the focal point for the old town which before the Industrial Revolution occupied the ridge towards Rochdale. Nearby street names, High Street and Cheapside, identify the old town. Cottage silk weaving was practised in the surrounding areas.

Middleton also commemorates the buildings designed by architect and artist Edgar Wood.

Blue and purple plaques in Heywood

Charles HowarthAvon Building, 1 to 14 Kay Street, HeywoodYears marked: 1814-1868Blue plaqueSocial innovator, founder member and later president of the co-operative movement. He died here at 28 Wilton Street in abject poverty. Originator of the ‘co-op dividend’, Howarth applied in all things his passionate belief in a fair deal for the working class.

Tractor Sound Studios58 Market Street, Heywood OL10 4LYYears marked: 1968-1976Blue plaqueHeywood rock group Tractor rehearsed in this building from 1968-1976 onwards. In 1973, Steve Clayton, Jim Milner, Chris Hewitt and Alan Burgess built a recording studio with financial help from legendary music broadcaster John Peel. Other groups who recorded here were Beau/John Trevor and Movement Banned. Tractor went on to found the Deeply Vale music festivals 1976-1979.

Blue and purple plaques in Littleborough and the Pennine villages

Coach House Heritage CentreLodge Street, Littleborough OL15 9AEYears marked: 18th centuryBlue plaqueOriginally used by stages calling at the Falcon Inn for changes of horses and stabling. It overlooks the square in which an ancient fair was held. The building was restored between 1980-1988 by the Coach House Trust, a group representing local voluntary organisations and commerce.

Enid StacySt James' Church, Calderbrook Road, Littleborough OL15 9NW - the plaque is on the wall of the right gatepost.Years marked: 1868-1903Blue plaqueEnid Stacy was an international and local speaker and writer on the welfare of working people and women's right to vote. She lived in Calderbrook Vicarage and worshipped at St James with her husband, the Reverend Percy Widdrington.

Falcon Inn18-20 Church Street, Littleborough OL15 8NUYears marked: early 19th centuryBlue plaqueFrom 1657, the inn and the farm covered land down to the river. The building became a coaching inn in the early 19th century. At this time, the main activities took place in the square at the rear where the ancient cow and sheep fair was held.

Royal OakChurch Street, Littleborough OL15 8AUYears marked: Late 18th centuryBlue plaqueAn original posting inn with stables and large land holdings, used by the famous dialect writer Tim Bobbin as the base of his work 'a view of the Lancashire Dialect'. George Stephenson, the railway engineer, is said to have lodged here during the construction of the railway.

Toll House6 Church Street, Littleborough OL15 8AUYear marked: 1824Blue plaqueSummary of tolls on the Blackstone Edge Turnpike Road from the Act of 1735. The toll prices were displayed on a board above the door.

Every drove of calves, hogs, sheep or lamb - 5 pennies.

Every drove of dren or neat cattle per score - 10 pennies.

Every coach drawn by 6 horses or more - 2 shillings.

Every horse, mule or ass laden or unladen - 1 penny.

Every waggon or carriage with 2 wheels - 1 shilling.

Suggest a blue plaque

Please contact us using the contact details on this page if you have suggestions for further blue plaques and potential funding sources to cover the cost of purchase and installation.

History of blue plaques

The first blue plaque programme started in London in 1866 on the initiative of reformer William Ewart (1798-1869), supported by the Society of Arts.

The first blue plaque commemorated one of Rochdale's most important figures, Lord George Gordon Byron. He was a poet and an important figure for the town as he inherited the Manor of Rochdale in 1808. He was the last Byron to be Lord of the Manor of Rochdale until 1826. The first blue plaque marks Lord Byron's birthplace at 24 Holles Street, Cavendish Square, London.